The Kirkus Prize is one of the richest literary awards in the world, with a prize of $50,000 bestowed annually to authors of fiction, nonfiction and young readers’ literature. It was created to celebrate the 81 years of discerning, thoughtful criticism Kirkus Reviews has contributed to both the publishing industry and readers at large. Books that earned the Kirkus Star with publication dates between November 1, 2014, and October 31, 2015, are automatically nominated for the 2015 Kirkus Prize, and the winners will be selected on October 23, 2015, by an esteemed panel composed of nationally respected writers and highly regarded booksellers, librarians and Kirkus critics.

KIRKUS REVIEW

Carpenter Anderson has just put on his Santa suit to deliver gifts to his children when he slips on the ice and bumps into another man with a beard, a red cap, and a sled full of toys. It's the real Santa, who suggests they trade places: he'll take presents to Anderson's children if the carpenter will make things for his children. So Anderson does; he even carves a new wooden spoon for Mrs. Santa. Effecting the reversal prompts some comical banter; in the end, though Santa's children are delighted to see their first real carpenter, and Anderson's are sure they've been visited by Daddy in disguise. With lively, affectionately satirical illustrations, this merry Swedish import makes a novel and amusing addition to the Christmas shelf. (Picture book. 4-8)

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